Bryan Singer And Leonardo DiCaprio Wanted For Six Billion Dollar Man?

LatinoReview is reporting that The Weinstein Company is looking to adapt Martin Caidin's novel Cyborg into The Six Billion Dollar Man (upped from million). The novel was the inspiration for the classic 70's television series which also had a comic line. Bryan Singer who is currently getting ready to make Battlestar Galactica when he finishes post-production on Jack The Giant Killer is wanted to direct. Leonardo DiCaprio is their ideal actor for the lead but seems way too busy with other projects at this point.

Simon Kinberg Writing Sequel To X-Men First Class

It didn't take long for the name of screenwriter of the X-Men First Class sequel to be revealed. Jason Flemyng had just stated 20th Century Fox was developing a script for the sequel. However, there was no official word from the studio or Matthew Vaughn.

SuperHeroHype now reports that Simon Kinberg is currently writing First Class 2. Kinberg's writing credits includes X3, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, This Means War and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He's also producing Neill Blomkamp's next science fiction epic Elysium. There is no word if original screenwriters Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz will be contributing. It's assumed if director Matthew Vaughn returns he and writing partner Jane Goldman would do their own re-writes.

Warner Bros. Adds Another Writer To Logan's Run

HeatVision reports that Warner Bros. has hired yet another writer to tinker with the Logan's Run script. Andrew Baldwin has been set to give his contribution previously writers Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine) and Will Beall (Gangster Squad) had worked on it. Baldwin recently sold the Yakuza film The Outsider to the studio and wrote Red Asphalt for Timur Bekmembatov (Wanted, Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter).

The film starring Ryan Gosling has also gone through a few different directors. It first started out with Bryan Singer (X-Men) then went to James McTiegue (V For Vendetta) later to Carl Erik Rinsch (47 Ronin) and finally to Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Bronson, Pusher).

Joel Kinnaman & Kit Harington Front-Runners For Arthur & Lancelot

It was surprising when Warner Bros. axed potential remakes of Excalibur from both Bryan Singer (X-Men 1-2, Jack The Giant Killer, Usual Suspects) and Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes 1-2, Snatch) to more forward with Arthur & Lancelot. A new "grounded" take on the classical tale from Wedding Crashers director David Dobkin was chosen instead with a budget around $90 million. It seemed a bit brash considering the talent behind the Excalibur projects but you never know with these things. I never thought comedy director Ruben Fleischer would end up making Gangster Squad. Since Ruben's credits only include Zombieland and 30 Minutes Or Less but it seems like the studio is giving chances to let directors branch out.

There is finally some interesting news casting-wise as ThePlaylist reports that Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash, The Killing) and Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) have come out as front-runners for the leads. It's unknown who is expected in what part but there is also a list of other candidates that includes names like Sam Claflin (Pirates 4, Snow White & The Huntsman, Dominic Cooper (Devil's Double, Captain America), Hans Matheson (Sherlock Holmes, Clash of The Titans), Jim Sturgess (50 Dead Men Walking, Cloud Atlas), Ben Walker (Paradise Lost, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games, Expendables 2). Joel Kinnaman was recently toted as Steven Soderbergh's choice for the second lead in The Man From UNCLE which is being produced by David Dobkin. I expect Kit's rather large international following from Game of Thrones doesn't hurt his chances either.

John Orloff To Write Bryan Singer's Battlestar Galactica

Deadline reports that Jeff Orloff is closing a deal to write the script for Bryan Singer's Battlestar Galactica based on the 70's movie and TV series. Singer recently noted that Battlestar would be his next film after he's done with Jack The Giant Killer. Orloff doesn't have a history with large films but wrote episodes for Band Of Brothers, Zack Snyder's Legend of The Guardians and Anonymous. It will be interesting which take they'll go with and I'm dying to see Singer jump into a full force science fiction action film. I'm also curious to see if they'll be taking inspiration from the recent reboot series.

Battlestar Galactica Next For Bryan Singer?

SFX (via ThePlaylist) spoke to Bryan Singer who is currently in post-production with Jack The Giant Killer for Warner Bros. which I'm dying to see a trailer for. Singer confirmed again that his Excalibur remake setup at Warner Bros. has indeed been axed. This might be a good thing for fans of cylons as Singer is now focusing on his Battlestar Galactica film for Universal. This gives further fuel that Singer won't be directing X4 or New Mutants anytime soon for Fox.

“Yeah, unfortunately [‘Exalibur’] is no longer going to happen,” Singer said. “I was really enthused to do it. I’m a fan of John Boorman’s movie and it was my intention to get it going after ‘Jack The Giant Killer’ was completed. The project was with Warner Bros and what happened is that another King Arthur project was brought to them during that time. Basically, it was just more ready to go into production than ours was. That is why our version of ‘Excalibur’ ended up being negated. But, when that happened, it allowed me to go straight into developing ‘Battlestar Galactica’ – which I think will be really exciting.”

Bryan Singer Talks Possible Details Of X-Men First Class Sequel

Another film set in the world of First Class is very likely considering all the praise the first film has received. We've heard from writer/director Matthew Vaughn that we could see Magneto control the magic bullet that kills JFK in an intro for the sequel. Now there is word from producer Bryan Singer (via LATimes) how he'd like to go even further to ground the franchise. Singer made a lot of the creative choices for First Class choosing the mutants and working on the story with writers. It's likely he'll be involved the same way with the sequels since there has been talk of a trilogy if not more. Bryan wants to include the Civil Rights Movement along with the Vietnam War.

With this new information I've come up with my own theories for the sequel. The Civil Rights angle might give us anti-mutant groups like Friends of Humanity which violently targeted mutants and mutant supporters. The assassinations of JFK and MLK could also bring up the aspect of Bishop trying to kill Xavier. The only thing is that it's expected mutants existence might be kept from the public for a little longer.

The Vietnam inclusion might give hope to fans who were disappointed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It's possible that a young William Styker Jr. could make a solid appearance along with a bone-clawed James Howlett (Logan). Cain Marko is another service man who could also appear in the conflict. Marko's origin involves him as a solider discovering his powers during the Korean War and becoming the Juggernaut. The only issue is that they took the aspect of Cain being Charles' stepbrother and used it for Raven (Mystique). Cable, a very popular character that producers have been vocal about including in future X-Men films is a strong possibility. Stephen Lang (Avatar), who fans wanted cast in the role revealed he'd be up for it. He could fit nicely in here as a gruff new X-Men team leader along with the father of both Alex (Havoc) and Scott Summers (Cyclops).

When it comes to the newly formed Brotherhood of Mutants we could see Magneto finally make the transition to mutant terrorist. Organizing the group to better serve mutant kind throughout their actions. Along with the relationship between Mystique and Azazel which will eventually lead to the birth of Nightcrawler. I'm not sure if Emma Frost and Magneto will develop one as well but there has been talk of love interest for Erik in future films. It would be nice to explore the origins of the Russian mutant Azazel.

I would think after the events of the first film the allied governments might try to work together to develop a non-mutant tactic to combat the Brotherhood and other dangerous mutant threats. Perhaps leading to the development of the Sentinel program which has been teased in previous films. Having the large robots identifying/rounding up threatening mutants and taking them to the isolated African island of Genosha. Where the mutants would have their powers repressed with technology and imprisoned. It would be an interesting way to raise the bar from First Class.

Matthew Vaughn Gives An Update On Bloodshot & A Rundown Of His Other Projects

During an interview with SuperHeroHype director Matthew Vaughn gave a small update on a project he had been linked to with writer Jane Goldman. He told the site that Bloodshot has at least a first draft completed but hasn't decided if it will be his next film.

I'm getting a new draft of it next week. Yeah, there are not many things. I'm so exhausted I'm going to take at least a couple months off now and then… it's very weird but if I have to make a movie, it's 'cause I see the whole thing in my head and I know it's going to be effortless in a sense of engaging my mind. That hasn't happened yet on what my next project is going to be.

FIRST CLASS 2 & KICK-ASS 2: While Vaughn seems unlikely to make Kick-Ass 2 as he's stated previously he loved the first film so much he didn't want to make a sequel just for a "cash grab".  Yet doesn't say it's out of the question. On the other hand he's been very vocal on returning to the First Class world he's created with more films. There has been talk of an exciting intro for the sequel involving Mangeto and JFK.


Yeah, if the film's a hit, I'd be very interested in doing a sequel. I really, really enjoyed… the team I had on it were great, and the hard thing is creating a new franchise, so if it works, it would be fun. My ideas are much bigger for the next one. I've got some really big … I'm surprised everyone is calling this a really big epic movie, and I'm thinking, "Wait until you view the next one if you think this is epic, the next one you won't believe what happens."

GOLDEN AGE: A yet unreleased comic book concept from Jonathan Ross the husband of Jane Goldman. Features retired superheroes who team up with their grandchildren after the parents screw things up threatening the destruction of the world. Matthew has said that he'd like to see Clint Eastwood in the lead along with Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty. With the success of RED it doesn't sound of the question to see older actors cast in a superhero film.

TURF: Another exciting comic book from Jonathan Ross this time features prohibition era bootlegging gangster vampires and aliens. I personally think this project is different enough from all the other things in development it could be ripe for the screen. Even more so considering how popular Boardwalk Empire and vampires are at the moment.

FIRST LOOK: Ewan McGregor & Eddie Marsden On The Set Of Jack The Giant Killer

Bryan Singer & Matthew Vaughn Talk First Class Sequel, Trilogy In The Works?

While we've heard Bryan Singer giving hints on sequel to X-Men First Class before. It's the first time we've heard him talk details and even director Matthew Vaughn weighs in his opinion. The two talked to TotalFilm revealing some decade settings they've discussed. Vaughn wants to stick with the late 60's. As the first film is set during 1962 and the rest of the decade could be explored. It also makes sense as you can't really age the characters too fast if the actors are expected to return. Singer also mentions visiting the 70's and 80's giving the impression that if successful they are willing to make at least a trilogy.

A trilogy would work best as Cyclops, Jean and Storm have yet to be included in the films. I would also guess that characters like Gambit, Psylocke and other underused X-Men characters could be given solid screen time in future films.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE A FIRST CLASS TRILOGY? WHAT CHARACTERS SHOULD BE IN THE SEQUELS?

Lauren Shulder Donner Confirms Treatments For X4 & X5

It looks like 20th Century Fox is pushing their X-Men franchise into high gear. As producer Lauren Shulder Donner confirms to Empire that the studio loved their treatment for X4 and X5. Giving the impression the two films are connected as they lead into each other and would likely be a package deal.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Bryan Singer return for another shot at the X-Men franchise. He's already been talking up returning and previously had regrets for not doing X3/First Class. If Singer does come on board I wouldn't be shocked to see X4 and X5 shot back to back as it would be a . It would make sense for Fox to wait until both Bryan Singer and Hugh Jackman are finished with their other projects. The earliest production could start seems like late summer or fall of next year. Currently there isn't an announced writer working on either film's script.

Ian McShane Will Play The King In Jack The Giant Killer

HeatVision reports that Ian McShane (Deadwood, Pirates 4) has been cast as the king in Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer. Nicholas Hoult (X-Men First Class) plays farmer boy/hero Jack and Eleanor Tomlinson as the kidnapped princess he quests to rescue from the giants. Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy and John Kassir (Tales From The Crypt) also have roles.

Eleanor Tomlinson Is Princess Isabella In Jack The Giant Killer

Deadline reports that relative unknown actress Eleanor Tomlinson (Alice In Wonderland) has been cast as Princess Isabella in Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer. It stars Nicholas Hoult as Jack along with Stanley Tucci as the villain, Bill Nighy as the leader of the giants and Ewan McGregor is also in talks for a role as well.

Ewan McGregor Joins Jack The Giant Killer

HeatVision reports there is another excellent addition to Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer. Ewan McGregor is final talks to play the leader of the King's elite guard. I'm guessing that Warner Bros. He would join Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci and Bill Nighy. I wouldn't be shocked to see Warner Bros. developing this as a new fantasy adventure franchise trying to capture the interest of Harry Potter fans.

Nicholas Hoult To Star In Jack The Giant Killer

We previously learned that Stanley Tucci and Bill Nighy were cast in Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer. Now there is word from Deadline that Nicholas Hoult (Clash of The Titans, A Single Man) has been offered the lead as Jack. Hoult tested for the role months ago and is becoming known for high profile roles. He'll be seen next in X-Men First Class and is also starring in Mad Max: Fury Road alongside Tom Hardy which shoots later in the year.

Bryan Singer Hints Again At First Class Sequel

In a recent interview with HeroComplex producer Bryan Singer quickly mentions the possibility of more X-Men First Class films. It's been mentioned before that Singer wouldn't direct a sequel and stated First Class was very much Matthew Vaughn's thing. This time Singer gives the impression Cyclops was not included in the first film but could be in the second one.

This also raises the question will Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) be playing Scott Summers? He had been rumored for the role but the character ultimately didn't make the film because of conflicting timelines. Also since Cyclops is such a popular character he would have been overshadowed by Magneto since this film mostly focuses on him. If they set the next film in the 70's or early 80's it could be a little more believable and we could also see the return of Jean Grey.

Stanley Tucci & Bill Nighy Cast In Jack In The Giant Killer

Yet another big Warner Bros. production is beginning the task of casting it's actors. TheWrap reports that Stanley Tucci (Lovely Bones, Captain America) and Bill Nighy (Dead Man's Chest, Underworld, Valkyrie) have joined Bryan Singer's (X-Men 1-2, Usual Suspects) remake of Jack The Giant Killer.

Stanley Tucci will play Roderick an advisor to the king and the film's villain. Nighy will play Fallon the leader of the giants who just happens to have two heads. John Kassir will play the other head and is best known as the voice of the Crypt Keeper on Tales From The Crypt. It's expected to start production sometime in March in London.

Hopefully this means the announcement for the leads isn't too far away.  There had been talk that Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy), Nicholas Hoult (About A Boy, X-Men First Class) and newcomer Aneurin Bernard were up for the role of Jack. Actresses such as Juno Temple (Atonement), Lily Collins and Adelaide Kane were mentioned for the role of the Princess.

Could Bryan Singer Direct X-Men 4, New Mutants Or Deadpool?

HeroComplex had an extensive interview with cast, director Matthew Vaughn and producer Bryan Singer from X-Men First Class. While they were doing damage control over the bad cast photo which leaked. Singer praised the new cast and is aiming to direct another film in the near future. Previously producer Lauren Shuler Donner confirmed Singer's interest in directing X4.

Singer had been attached to make First Class but ultimately had to give it over to Matthew Vaughn. So he could focus on his Warner Bros. production of Jack The Giant Killer. While it's still uncertain if First Class will be successful in the long run. It's doubtful Singer would make a sequel now that the prequel is very much a Matthew Vaughn thing.

Whatever fans think about Singer he is the reason we have the first two films. I believe that Bryan Singer is the only person that could fix all the problems X3 created. Even if X4 ends up the last film in the series a fourth film very well could be a way for both the director and Fox to make it up to the loyal fans. The only problem would be being able to wrangle Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Anna Paquin and Ellen Page back for the fourth film.

The other film could be New Mutants which Shuler Donner had confirmed to be in development along with X4 but hadn't been pitched to Fox. I'm sure if New Mutants had Singer attached it could go next. It would be an easy way to avoid the landmines left from X3.

Stephen Lang (Avatar, Conan) could take on the role of Cable who is the leader of the group and is one of the most popular characters in the X-Men universe. Lang caught wind of the fan casting and is up for it. I wouldn't doubt Fox would like to see the Avatar actor in a pivotal role in a new film.

The least likely of the bunch would be Deadpool but if you think about it could work. Singer would more than likely have to take on a film with an existing script and it's the only project in development that has a completed one. While having the likes of Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino direct are almost unlikely at this point.

Singer could bring something interesting to the Merc With A Mouth. Considering his experience in the world of thieves and mercenaries with The Usual Suspects. My only problem would be his ability to convey the humor that Deadpool spouts along with breaking the fourth wall. If they ever were going to make an X-Force film based on the more recent comics it would be another great project for him to direct.





Which Future X-Men Film Would You Like To See Singer Make? Should He Even Return To The Franchise He Helped Create? Leave Your Comments!

EDITORIAL: First Class A New X-Men Franchise For Fox?

I believe that one of the biggest reasons for 20th Century Fox making X-Men First Class is to branch out their X-Men universe. Creating a side-franchise for the studio since they could very well lose the rights to their Marvel properties like Daredevil and The Fantastic Four. The Wolverine and Deadpool have the greatest potential as successful spin-offs for Fox. The First Class films could help expand the X-Men universe while being a great place to insert their laundry list of unused mutants and origin stories.

So why do I believe that X-Men First Class is going become it's own franchise?  Fox more than likely has a plan for showing off more origins like ones for Jean, Scott, Storm and Gambit in future films. It's not financially sound to go and make solo origin films for all of these characters. Including their origins slowly in a First Class franchise makes more sense. It's also a perfect reason to have period based comic book films. While this film is set in the 60's the next film could be in the 70's. Still keeping it's Bond style of globetrotting with elaborate sets and costumes. Giving us fresh takes on the genre by changing up the eras. 

One of the biggest issues for fans was the exclusion of Jean and Scott. Yet if they were going by previous films neither would have been born when Xavier was young. Since they've sort of killed off both Scott and Jean it would make sense to feature their origin stories in a sequel.

It made sense for the first movie to focus on the older characters like Xavier, Magneto, Beast, Emma Frost and Mystique. The studio went on to use story elements from the Magento and Mystique (rumored) origin films. While it's unlikely the characters will now get their own spin-offs they could return for sequels. January Jones recently said she would like to return for another film. So it's possible they've locked in the actors for more movies.

Aaron Johnson had been rumored for the role of Cyclops and Gambit so it's possible they've already set things in motion with a cameo. Stephen Lang (Avatar, Conan) would love to play the role of Cable and could also be involved in any of the future X-Men films.

There had been talk of making a New Mutants/X-Force film but I wouldn't be surprised to see it and the members (Cable) being absorbed into a second movie. Yet you never know it could also be used in X-Men 4 which Bryan Singer is likely to direct when he is finished with Jack The Giant Killer.

Granted we haven't even seen a trailer yet but it's very possible if the movie does well this summer we could see more of these prequels.


Would You Like More X-Men Origin Stories Used In First Class 2? Should Cyclops, Jean, Storm, Cable and Gambit Be Featured In The Prequels? Leave Your Comments!

Max Irons & Alex Pettyfer Also In The Running For Jack The Giant Killer

Deadline reports that Aaron Johnson isn't the only actor being looked at to star in Bryan Singer's re-imaging of Jack The Gint Killer. The site lists Max Irons (Red Riding Hood) and Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) as possible candidates.